620-560 BC, Greek Fabulist
A farmer who had a quarrelsome family called his sons and told them to lay a bunch of sticks before him. Then, after laying the sticks parallel to one another and binding them, he challenged his sons, one after one, to pick up the bundle and break it. They all tried, but in vain. Then, untying the bundle, he gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest ease. Then said the father, Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you are a match for anything, but differ and separate, and you are undone.
Aesop – [Family]
Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.
Aesop – [Cooperation]
Appearances are deceptive.
Aesop – [Appearance]
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Aesop – [Danger]
Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
Aesop – [Expectation]
Enemies promises were made to be broken.
Aesop – [Enemies]
Example is the best precept.
Aesop – [Example]
Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.
Aesop – [Respectability]
He that is discontented in one place will seldom be content in another.
Aesop – [Discontent]
In union there is strength.
Aesop – [Unity]
It is easy to be brave when far away from danger.
Aesop – [Risk]
Little by little does the trick.
Aesop – [Things and Little Things]
Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.
Aesop – [Originality]
Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes.
Aesop – [Adversity]
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
Aesop – [Advice]
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop – [Kindness]
Obscurity brings safety.
Aesop – [Obscurity]
Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.
Aesop – [Safety]
Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
Aesop – [Appearance]
Please all, and you will please none.
Aesop – [Approval]